Even though the flavors were okay, this was my first disappointing experience at an Ethiopian restaurant. We ordered a veggie combo which on the menu specified 5 curries but we were only given 4 with no salad. The quantity didn’t just the price which was way too high, 3.5$ for a small side salad? Really?. The staff was not ready to replace any curry or even offer an extra side inspite of the fact that we were ready to pay extra. They instead insisted on taking a full entree dish which is bizarre. Never coming back again!
We’ve been coming to Empress Taytu for over 25 years and it remains a favorite that we visit whenever we are on the east side of town. A meal there is a true experience. We ask to sit at a traditional table which is the perfect setting for the large platter of Injera flat bread covered with an array of delicious vegetable and meat dishes. The service has always been great.
My family and I ate dinner here the other night. We had a lovely time. The walls are covered in information about Empress Taytu and Ethiopia, which was lovely for my kids to look at. The food was delicious and our server was very kind and helpful. The prices were reasonable for the amount of food that we got (a lot!). We will certainly be back.
We had the appetizer sampler and an assortment of dishes including dorowat, split peas, lentils, collard greens, cheese, and cabbage for dinner, and also ordered the traditional coffee. Everything was incredibly flavorful, and the coffee is a must if you come. They roast the coffee beans to order and the tray arrives with burning incense. I do not have adequate words to describe the rich aroma and taste of the coffee. The server was also friendly and responsive. It's definitely one of the places everyone should try when they come to Cleveland.
Loved this restaurant! A tiny corner of Ethiopia plopped into a Cleveland neighborhood. Do sit in hut mockup & eat inthe traditional family manner. Food was DELICIOUS! Will return.
This place was so good I could not stop eating. Everything was freshly prepared and you could literally see the Chefs in the kitchen! We had a large group and shared several options, this was my first time having Ethiopian food and I was absolutely mesmerized. The seasonings, the ingredients, and the experience!! Everything was absolutely perfect. I loved the indoor setting, it’s so comfy and private. We had a big unexpected group and our waitress was incredibly kind and quick. I seriously think this is the best food I’ve ever had in my life.
Empress Taytu is our family’s favorite restaurant in Cleveland hands down. The atmosphere and smell of incense as you walk in the door is so inviting. We have to wait until we are almost there from over 1.5 hr trip to the restaurant to tell our kids where we are going or they will keep asking when we are getting there lol. We are vegans and everything on the veggie side is good to go for us. Such a special place and staff feels like family. We tell everyone to go!
Empress Taytu is one of three Ethiopian restaurants in the Cleveland area that we could find, and we have very much enjoyed one, but it no longer has dine-in seating. The other does not have GF injera, so not an option. The restaurant has its own parking lot, which is necessary for this part of town. We arrived early (5:30) without a reservation, but by 6:30 the restaurant was packed, so I would advise calling to get a reservation. The decor was fun, I will add photos. The meal was delicious, the only vegetable that was a bit bland and overcooked for my taste was the cabbage. The collard greens, lentils, and other vegetables were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The Tim-Tim was wonderful., as was the lentil & onion soup. The service was polite. I could tell the restaurant has a loyal following based on the interactions between the staff and diners/those carrying out.
Didn't have any Ethiopian beers, but had enough others to enjoy. Fairly large vegetarian options. I thoroughly enjoyed this food, and they seem to get a nice-sized dinner crowd. Just be patient as there is only one server. The first time I was there, there were more than 20 diners, so service can seem slow if you're in a hurry to eat or drink.
Service was slow. But the food was good. Unique experience.